CoastGIS 2009

Venue

The conference will take place in Universidade do Vale do Itajaí, which is known in the state of Santa Catarina as UNIVALI. Its main campus is located in Itajaí city, where the facilities will be available for the meetings.

In relation to the attractions, the region is in the heart of the Sun Route and the Emerald Coast. Places that provide a taste of the tropical way of life.

Santa Catarina

A land of a thousand faces. Human faces, and faces of nature. Located in southern Brazil between the states of Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina is not easily defined. This small Brazilian state, with a little more than 6 million residents, unites within its unique 95 thousand km2 a diversity of scenery and people that marvels visitors. From white sand beaches, tropical forests and snowy mountains to Azorean fishermen, Italian farmers, and German industrialists, this is a land of beautiful, sharp and fascinating contrasts.

These contrasts are also found in the economy. A strong agriculture, based on small farms, shares space with an active industrial park, the fourth largest in Brazil. Large companies and thousands of small businesses are spread across the state, linked to consumer centers and ports by an efficient highway grid. These roads also boost tourism, a natural vocation of this small state, now the nation's third largest tourist center.

The balance and dynamism of the Santa Catarina economy are reflected in high levels of growth, literacy, employment and per capita income that are much above the national average. These numbers surprise and complement the fascinating profile of one of the most productive and beautiful Brazilian states.

More touristic information: http://www.sc.gov.br/conteudo/santacatarina/turismo/contrasts/index.html

Rota do Sol (Sun Route)
With so many attractions, from beaches to theme parks and other leisure options, only tourism could be the main activity in the Rota do Sol region. In the summer time, Balneário Camboriú receives over half a million tourists, many of them from abroad. There are all kinds of options in the city: ecotourism, shopping tourism, quiet beaches, popular beaches, and an exciting nightlife. The city is non-stop, with attractions 24/7, and its infrastructure is complete. The Unipraias Park connects Camboriú's Central Beach to the Laranjeiras Beach by a cable car, providing a beautiful, privileged panoramic view. The streetcar offers three stops: Barra Sul Station, Atlantic Forest Station, and Laranjeiras Station. At the park, it is possible to practice ecological trekking and canopy walking. Also in Balneário, you will find the Pinho Beach, the first official nudism beach in Brazil. Itajaí, a port city which functions as the area's economic center, preserves historical traces of the Portuguese colonization. Itajaí's most famous beaches are Amores, Cabeçudas, and Brava. In Navegantes, a nearby city, there is the international airport, which serves the state's northern region.

Main cities: Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí and Navegantes.

Costa Esmeralda (Emerald Coast)
This small coastal area is one more piece of heaven in Santa Catarina. The sea's green color baptizes this region, which has more than 30 beautiful beaches with transparent waters, great for underwater diving. Because it lies close to the Arvoredo Marine Biological Reserve, divers from all over Brazil go to Costa Esmeralda. The Azorean culture is present in the fisher villages, the sea fruit-based gastronomy, customs, and folklore. Porto Belo's greatest attraction, besides its various beaches, is the Porto Belo Island. On this island, cave paintings from the first men to live on this area were found, and it is possible to practice oriented trekking through the Atlantic Forest. Itapema is the third most sought destination in Santa Catarina. The city combined nature and infrastructure, providing the visitors with beautiful beaches and coasts not too far from downtown. In the summer, Itapema receives over 200,000 tourists, offering diverse attractions, such as jet-skiing, banana-boat, sailing, and further sports. In Bombinhas, the biggest attractions are more than 20 beaches, the clear water, the nature, and the biodiversity. Popular activities include diving, snorkeling, surfing, sailing, and aquatic skiing.

Main cities: Itapema, Porto Belo and Bombinhas.

National

International